EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -An action potential is defined as a sudden, fast, transitory, and propagating change of the resting membrane potential . Only neurons and muscle cells are capable of generating an action potential; that property is called the excitability.

Detailed explanation-2: -Depolarization and hyperpolarization occur when ion channels in the membrane open or close, altering the ability of particular types of ions to enter or exit the cell. For example: The opening of channels that let positive ions flow out of the cell (or negative ions flow in) can cause hyperpolarization.

Detailed explanation-3: -The depolarization, also called the rising phase, is caused when positively charged sodium ions (Na+) suddenly rush through open voltage-gated sodium channels into a neuron. As additional sodium rushes in, the membrane potential actually reverses its polarity.

Detailed explanation-4: -Action potentials (those electrical impulses that send signals around your body) are nothing more than a temporary shift (from negative to positive) in the neuron’s membrane potential caused by ions suddenly flowing in and out of the neuron.

Detailed explanation-5: -When an action potential occurs, the charge outside the neuron reverses in polarity to become negative. This reversal is due primarily to the rapid flow of positively-charged, sodium ions into the neuron.